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Park calls time on Korea

South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae has confirmed Park Ji-sung has retired from international football.

Last Updated: 28/01/11 7:23pm

South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae has confirmed Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has retired from international football.

Park had been widely expected to call time on his international career following Korea's participation in the Asian Cup.

Korea's involvement in the tournament ended on Friday after a 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan in the third-place play-off, with Park having been left out of the game.

Speaking after the match, Cho revealed that energetic United wide-man Park, along with former Tottenham Hotspur full-back Lee Young-pyo, would be ending his career with the national team.

Remarkable job

"Two players from our team, Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo, are retiring today from international football," said Cho.

"They've done a remarkable job for the prosperity of Korean football.

"It would be better if I could retain both of them in the national team but other players have done an excellent job."

Park won the last of his 100 caps in Tuesday's semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Japan. He made his debut in 2000 against Laos in an Asian Cup qualifier and lies eighth on Korea's all-time appearance list.

Cho revealed that Park wanted to play against Uzbekistan but, following two consecutive games that went to extra time, he left him out to avoid picking up an injury that could impact his United career.

"Park was desperate to play in today's match and he asked me to let him play but as he had played two extra-times in the previous two games, the team doctor advised not to play him to prevent any possible injury," he added.

"I decided to save him for his future career at his club."

Park has yet to officially confirm his retirement from the international arena and is planning to hold a press conference on Monday.

He said: "I'm going to say when I'm back in Korea. I will have a press conference and will talk then.

"My future? I will try to do my best at my club and just do what I can to help them win everything."

Lee, meanwhile, retires having earned 127 caps for the Taeguk Warriors, leaving Celtic defender Cha Du-ri as the only player remaining from Korea's historic 2002 World Cup semi-final appearance.